We highly believe you need to be aware of what to do with your pets in case a disaster strikes. Dr. Christen Skaer was instrumental in starting the Kansas State Animal Response Team 5 years ago when Greensburg tornado struck and there were 350 pets left without anywhere to go.
Just as you do with your family’s emergency supply kit, think first about the basics for survival for your pet(s), particularly food and water. Consider assembling two kits. In one, put everything you and your pets will need to stay where you are. The other should be a lightweight, smaller version you can take with you if you and your pets have to get away. Review your kits regularly to ensure that their contents, especially foods and medicines, are fresh. Recommended supplies for your pet’s Go Kit:
Food and Water
- Keep at least three days of food in an airtight, waterproof container.
- Store at least three days of water specifically for your pets in addition to the water you need for yourself and your family.
- Pack their food and water dishes
Medicines and Medical Records
- Keep an extra supply of medicines your pet takes on a regular basis in a waterproof
- container.
- List the name and contact information for your pet’s veterinarian.
- Talk with your veterinarian about permanent identification for your pet such as microchipping,
- and enrolling your pet in a recovery database. If your pet has a form of permanent identification, include the recovery’s service’s name and contact information in your kit.
- Keep up-to-date copies of your pet’s registration information, adoption papers, vaccination documents and medical records in a clean plastic bag or waterproof container in your kit.
Collar with ID Tag, Harness or Leash
- Your pet should wear a collar with its rabies tag and identification at all times. Include a backup leash, collar and ID tag in your pet’s emergency supply kit.
First Aid Kit
- Talk to your veterinarian about what is most appropriate for your pet’s emergency medical needs.
- Most kits should include cotton bandage rolls, tape and scissors; antibiotic ointment; flea and tick prevention; latex gloves, isopropyl alcohol and saline solution.
- Include a pet first aid reference book.
Crate or Other Pet Carrier
- If you need to evacuate in an emergency situation, take your pets and animals with you
- provided that it is practical so do so. In many cases, your ability to do so will be aided by having a sturdy, safe, comfortable crate or carrier ready for transporting your pet.
- The carrier should be large enough for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down.
Sanitation
- Include pet litter and litter box if appropriate, newspapers, paper towels, plastic trash bags, and household chlorine bleach to provide for your pet’s sanitation needs.
- You can use bleach as a disinfectant (dilute nine parts water to one part bleach).
- In an emergency you can also use it to purify water. Use 16 drops of regular household liquid bleach per gallon of water.
Picture of You and Your Pet Together
- If you become separated from your pet during an emergency, a picture of you and your pet together will help you document ownership and allow others to assist you in identifying your pet. Include information about species, breed, age, sex, color and distinguishing characteristics.
Familiar Items
- Put favorite toys, treats, or bedding in your kit. Familiar items can help reduce stress for your pet.
A List of Contacts
- Prepare a list of neighbors, friends or family that may be willing to provide pet “foster care” if your pet can’t go with you to a shelter.
- Find a safe place ahead of time by preparing a list of pet boarding services, or hotels and motels outside of your immediate area that accept pets.
For more information go to kssart.org.
